We have some fabulous Christmas music lined up for you on Friday Evening, we will begin a little bit early this month.  You will be able to enjoy the music begining at 3:45 pm., Gary Michaels and the Johnson Creek Brass will be in the driveway at City Hall to kick off the festivities.

We will have students from Clackamas Elementary and the choir from Oak Hills Presbyterian Church to help you get in the Christmas spirit.  They will be on hand to sing some traditional Christmas Carols.  You will be able to enjoy them all evening as they carol throughout downtown.  Please feel free to join in and sing along.

We will also have music at some of the regular music hot spots:

Springcreek Cofeehouse:  Margaret Hespen and Karen Cornell

First State Bank: Will Scrivens

City Hall: Tradin’ Fours

Come and Share Poetry!

The next reading will take place on December 3 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the meeting room at St. John the Evangelist church, located at 2036 SE Jefferson.

Milwaukie poet Bruce Wolfe will be the featured reader and read selections from his works for approximately 20 minutes.

An Open Mic session will follow for all who wish to read their own work, or some of their favorite poems. To get on the list to read ahead of time, please call Tom Hogan, the Milwaukie Poetry Series Coordinator, at (503) 819-8367 or email him at tomhogan2@comcast.net. There will also be a sign-up sheet at the event for those wishing to share.

Readers should plan on having the mic for five minutes, and if there’s more time after everyone’s had a chance to read, additional opportunities will be provided. There will be poetry books available for those who want to come but haven’t brought a book.

Poetry Blooms Year Round in Milwaukie!

We have updated the Christmas Tree Donation Drive page with some of the Christmas wishes of the families we have adopted.  Please check back regularly as we will be updating the page as we learn more information about these familes.

We have a very special event that will be hosted by Carmen at Cha Cha Cha.  She will be sharing a Mexican Christmas Holiday Tradition begining at 5:30 p.m. with us on First Friday.  She would be delighted to have you stop by and join in on the festivities.  For those of you unfamiliar with this tradition, Carmen has put together some information to share with us.

“La Posada,” the remarkable buildup to Christmas Eve, is perhaps the most delightful and unique Mexican tradition. Beginning December 16th, and ending December 24th. It commemorates the events in the journey of a Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

After dark, each night of the “posada,” a procession begins led by two children.  The children carry a small pine-decorated platform bearing replicas of Joseph and Mary riding a burro.  Other members of the company, all with lighted long slender candles, sing the “Litany of the Virgin” as they approach the door of the house assigned to the first “Posada”.  Together they chant an old traditional song and awaken the mast of the house to ask for lodging for Mary. Those within the house threaten the company with beatings unless they move on.  Again, the company pleads for admittance.  When the owner of the house finally learns who his guests are, he jubilantly throws open the door and bids them welcome. All kneel around the manger scene or “Nacimiento” and offer songs of welcome, Ave Maria’s and a prayer.

Now it’s time for the “piñata”, refreshments and dancing.  The “Piñata” is a pottery (or paper) container, brightly decorated and filled with candy and toys.  It is hung from the ceiling or a tree.  One the children  is blindfolded, turned around and instructed to strike the Piñata with a stick.  Usually several attempts are made before the container is broken.  Of course, when that happens, there is an explosion of goodies and a scattering of children.  Adults are delighted and warmed by the traditional drink ” Ponche”, a traditional hot drink made with a variety of fruits, cinnamon and raisins.

“Feliz Navidad”

We will be hosting our Author’s Corner at Windhorse Coffe and Tea again this month.  We look forward to having you join us.  Windhorse is located at 10611 S.E. Main Street.  Here is a little bit about Amanda.

Amanda Morgan holds a BS degree in Anthropology from the University of Oregon and a Master’s degree in archaeology/prehistory from the University of Sheffield in England. Small wonder that her stories revolve around a female archaeologist. Amanda was reared in the small north central Washington where her stories take place and she draws on family legends and local lore for material for her trilogy, LEGENDS OF THE SANCTUARY TREE. Bookone, THE LIGHTS OF HOME, was published in 2005. Book two, IN THE LIGHT OF THE MOON, is in publication, and she is hard at work on Book three, A LIGHT OFF THE STARBOARD BOW. Her work is available at Amazon.com and on her website, amandamorganbooks.com.

We are pleased to have over 25 Christmas trees that were donated by local business owners on display, they will be decorated with hand made ornaments made by local school students.  These trees along with gifts and food boxes, will be donated to local families that would otherwise have no Christmas this year.  We invite you to bring unwrapped gifts to any participating business between December 3 -17.   These trees will be delivered to the families December 18th and 19th.  We have listed the Milwaukie family information below with the business that has adopted them.

1.  Make One

Decorations Courtesy of: Portland Waldorf School

Family Information:  MOM

BOYFRIEND

GRANDFATHER

5 YEAR OLD SON ** loves kid musicals, loves hannah montana, likes toy cars and truck, likes drawing items also! Loves being flamboyant!! Shoes (size:13c)…loves playdough!

7 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** bratz dolls, puzzles up to 200 pieces, dress up stuff: fake earrings, necklaces, tiaras… Barbies, stuffed animals, drawing items… Loves just being a girlie-girl!

9 YEAR OLD SON ** Mini skateboards or mini bikes…handheld games: basketball, racer car, action heros…puzzle books…shoes (size:8(mens))…loves skateboarding, playing video games like racing cars, drawing (very talented by the way).

2.  Springcreek Coffeehouse

Decorations Courtesy of:  Aldercreek Middle School

Family Information: MOM

DAD

3 YEAR OLD SON ** Would like action figures also like transformers, power rangers and ninja turtles. Needs pj’s (size 4) and boots (size 10).

4 YEAR OLD SON ** Would like action figures like transformers, power rangers, ninja turtles, ect. He needs pj’s (size 5-6) and boots (size 11).  Matchbox cars would be wonderful too.

16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** a new “girly” winter coat (size M), pants (size 5-7), hat and gloves

** These boys both love board games that they can play with their family.

3.  Windhorse Coffee and Tea

Decorations Courtesy of:  Milwaukie High School

Family Information: MOM ** loves dresses, knee high boots

DAD ** would love a new suit for church

ADULT DAUGHTER ** needs scarfs, gloves, and the long fuzzy winter boots (size 7). She also likes perfume.

5 YEAR OLD SON ** likes Thomas the train toys and movies, transformers and really wants a Leap frog. He needs church and school clothes as weell as pj’s (size 5). He likes sports clothes clothes. He also needs tennis shoes and socks (size 11).

12 YEAR OLD SON ** soccer stuff, he’s really into sports. He needs church and school clothes. He likes the skinny jeans (size 10) and needs boxers. He also needs tennis shoes and socks (size 4 1/2). He also needs a winter coat.

12 YEAR OLD SON  ** likes soccer and sports. He needs church and school clothes. He likes regular jeans (size 12) and needs boxers as well. He also needs tennis shoes and socks (size 6). He also needs a winter coat.

These 12 year old boys are twins they like calogne, one of them got on the phone and told me they would really like a wireless playstation 3 remote control.

4.  Envision Tile and Design

Decorations Courtesy of:  New Urban High School

Family Information: MOM

DAD

INFANT SON ** Plays with wooden toys, sophie girraffe teething ring. Needs clothes and cloth diaper covers (size 18-24) months. Gloves and hat.

2 YEAR OLD SON ** Likes trucks or motorcycles. Needs shoes (size 9), pj’s and clothes (size 3T-4T). Gloves and hat.

5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** Bob books number 4 & 5. Likes horses and barbies. She needs shoes (size 10), pj’s and clothes (size 5-6). Gloves and hat.

9 YEAR OLD SON ** Likes bionacles, legos and aneme or magma learn to draw books. Needs shoes (size 4 1/2), pj’s and clothes (size 8). Gloves and a hat.

***All the children like reading and art supplies.  All the children also share a dresser and they could really use another one.

5.  City Hall

Decorations Courtesy of :  Lot Whitcomb Elementary

Family Information:  MOM

7 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** Likes anything Justin Biebber and she likes drawing. Needs pants (size 10-12).

8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** Really likes soccer, has a wii would like a game. Needs pants (size 12 slim).

2 YEAR OLD SON ** Likes soccer. Needs pants (size 2T).

6.  Chopsticks Express

Decorations Courtesy of: Bridge City Community Church

Family Information: MOM

2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** Pj’s (size 3). Favorite colors pink and purple. Like dollies.

4 YEAR OLD SON ** Pj’s (size 5) or fleece blanket. Favorite color is blue. Likes dogs and anything with wheels.

7.  Enchanté

Decorations Courtesy of:  The Keehner Family

Family Information:  MOM ** would love to have a dvd player that the entire family can enjoy.

2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** loves puppies, being read to at night by Mom, favorite color is green, clothing (size 2-3T), bath toys and towel.

7 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** loves Tinkerbell, books (reading at a 6 grade level), favorite color pink, clothing (size 8), bilingual (english/spanish), Nintendo DS

3 YEAR OLD SON ** Thomas the train freak, favorite color blue, clothing (size 3-4T), bath toys and towel.

Reading is a priority for this family, they enjoy doing things together. Other suggestions for all… bubbles, balls, books.

8.  Wine:30

Decorations Courtesy of:  View Acres Elementary

Family Information: MOM

DAD

5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** likes barbie dolls and needs hats and gloves.

9.  Curves of Milwaukie

Decorations Courtesy of:  Milwaukie Elementary

Family Information:  MOM  ** gift certificate for a dinner out

14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER  ** jeans (size 3), hoodie (size M), shoes (size 7), coat (puffy) white (size M), wants her eyebrows waxed; movie tickets; both like hair stuff or pretty much anything

16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER  ** jeans (size 13-15), hoodie (size L-XL), shoes (size 8 1/2), coat (size L-XL), Harry Potter movies; or books; or tickets to go see movies

10.  Stanley Renovation and Design

Decorations Courtesy of:  St. John the Baptist Catholic School

Family Information: MOM ** close toed black professional dress shoes (size 81/2), could use long sleeve shirt size womens L or jeans (size 14).

DAD ** running shoes (size 11), long sleeve shirt size mens L or a pair of jeans (size 32×34).

9 YEAR OLD SON ** Blazers and Redskins fan (trading cards), loves reading and writing in journals, loves cartoons, movies (iron man, g.i.joes). He needs hoodies and long sleeve shirts (size youth large or 12), shoes and socks (size 5) and gloves.

11.  Key Bank

Decorations Courtesy of:  Sweet Pea Preschool

Family Information:  MOM **  WARM clothing (size M), pants (size 9), shoes (size 8).

4 YEAR OLD SON ** toys,  WARM clothing (size 8), shoes (size 2).

7 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** toys, dolls, WARM clothing (size 8), shoes (size 2).

9  YEAR OLD SON ** toys, WARM clothing (size 12-14), shoes (size 5).

***This family needs towels, soaps, twin and king size sheets.

12.  12.500 Commercial Window Coverings

Decorations Courtesy of:  Portland Waldorf School

Family Information: GRANDMOTHER ** FIRE WOOD

ADULT DAUGHTER ** Coat (size 16-18)

ADULT SON ** just home from Afghanistan** needs WARM clothing ** pants (size 32-34), shirts (size L), tall man

12 YEAR OLD  GRANDDAUGHTER ** clothing (size 14-16), she needs a winter coat junior size medium, winter boots (size 9 1/2) and a hat.

8 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER  ** clothing (size 10-12)

Both granddaughters love American Girls and Barbies

13.  N.W. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

Decorations Courtesy of:  Sweet Pea Preschool

Family Information:  MOM  ** would love a gift certificate for a manicure

5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** Wants barbie dolls and clothes (size 6). Needs shoes (size 1).

6 YEAR OLD SON  **  hotwheels, legos, train set, sponge bob, skinny jeans (size 6). Shoes (size 1)

7 MONTH OLD SON **  Likes baby learning toys. Needs diapers (size 4) and clothes (size 9-12 months). Shoes (size 2).

8 YEAR OLD SON ** Wants star wars legos and skinny jeans (size 7). Needs shoes and socks (size 1), hats and gloves.

12 YEAR OLD SON ** music lover (new age), hair product, playstation, wants skinny jeans (size 12). Needs shoes and socks (size 9 1/2), hats and gloves

13 YEAR OLD SON ** music lover (new age), hair product, MP3 player, wants skinny jeans (size 14), needs shoes socks (size 10) and hats and gloves.

14.  Cha Cha Cha

Decorations Courtesy of:  Cha Cha Cha

Family Information:  MOM ** Blouse (size M)

DAD  ** Shirts and T-shirts (size L)

2 YEAR OLD SON ** Cars, toys, clothing (size 3-4), shoes (size 9)

4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** Loves Barbie dolls (would love a Barbies with it’s own clothes)  and baby dolls, clothing (size 5-6), shoes (size 12)

***The family needs towels and bed sheets for king and twin size beds.

15. Libbies Restaurant

Decorations Courtesy of:  The Ledding Library Children’s Program

Family Information:  MOM ** She told me tonight she is doing a job training through TANF and could really use a pair of business shoes for interviews (size 9 1/2 to 10) and would prefere flats. She also said she could use a long sleeve shirt or nice sweater for job interview as well (size 2x or 3x) and long in the belly if possible. She said she would love a candle for the house, it’s her calming.

4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** Would like a baby alive doll. She needs PJ’s and pants (size 4-5) in kids, smalls, she also needs boots size 10.

2 YEAR OLD SON ** Likes hot wheels, container toys he can fit the shapes. Anything with lights and sounds. He needs PJ’s ans pants (size 3T) as well as boots (size 7 or 8).

* SON HAS SIGNIFICANT MEDICAL ISSUES*

16.  Milwaukie Lumber

Decorations Courtesy of:  The Ledding Library Children’s Program

Family Information:  DAD ** currently job hunting and needs clothing – shirts (size L), pants size (38×30), shoes (size 11), needs color printer in cartridges HP920.

7 YEAR OLD SON ** He says he want an X Box 360 controller and games. He needs clothes, shirts (size 7 or M), pants (size 7), he really needs shoes (size 2).

17 YEAR OLD SON ** He really needs a good big backpack for school.  He is on honor roll and uses a lot of big heavy books about stuff I barely understand.  The one he has now is ripping out from the weight. He also needs pants (size 34×32). When asked what he wants he says “shiny things”.  If you feel really generous, he would like a net book for homework.

17.  Eleven O’49 Studio and Gallery

Decorations Courtesy of:  Eleven O’49 Gallery

Family Information:  MOM  ** jacket, sweaters (size small, petite)

2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER  ** books, flash cards, educational toys, clothing (size 24 months), she is bilingual (english/spanish)

18.  Doug Naef Insurance

Decorations Courtesy of:  Ardenwald Elementary

Family Information:  MOM ** Sweat pants (size L)

DAD ** Pajama sets- tops and bottoms (size XL)

8 YEAR OLD SON ** Ben 10 game for playstation 3; Other games for playstation 2 and playstation 3, Bike, Bed

14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** Make-up, Mascara, Nail polish- mainly green and gold, Sketch pad, Hair ties

19.  Big Kahuna’s BBQ

Decorations Courtesy of:  Sunnyside Elementary

Family Information:  DAD

4 YEAR OLD DAUHGTER **Puzzles, Board games (maybe candyland), Ants in the Pants game, Paints and Brushes, Pretty slippers (size 10), Winter coat (size 4T), scarf, mittens, panties and socks or any kind of clothes (size 4 or 5), a little girls lamp, any educational electronics game. Also I have been looking for a used “Finding Nemo” VHS or DVD movie.

18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER** Dad says; “She just turned 18. For me she’s hard to shop for.  Maybe some kind of gift cards to get clothes. Some Lotion or perfume.”

20.  Kathy Lyle’s Place

Decorations Courtesy of:  The Hamilton Family

Family Information: MOM

1 YEAR OLD SON ** Likes anything for a boy. Needs clothes (size 18 months).

3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** Likes barbies, babies and cooking. She needs winter clothes and jeans (size 4T), shoes and socks (size 8).

6 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** Likes puzzles, books, art and barbies. She needs winter clothes and jeans (size 6x) and shoes and socks (size 12).

9 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** She wants and needs pants and clothes (size 12). She is a tom boy so she likes skulls and peace signs, ect. She also needs socks and shoes (size 3). She likes art too.

21.  8-Bit Cafe

Decorations Courtesy of:  St. John’s Episcopal Sunday School

Family Information:  MOM ** She could use diapers or basics for baby. She said she needs a swing for the baby but felt bad asking for it. She also said she could use socks.

2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** She is a nickelodian fan. Likes Dora the explorer. She needs a coat (size 6T) and boots (size 10). She could also use gloves and a hat.

7 YEAR OLD SON ** Likes games and is happy with anything. Really needs a winter coat (size 7) and boots (size 3). Also needs gloves and a hat.

BABY ON THE WAY *** DUE ANY DAY ***

22.  Bank of the West

Decorations Courtesy of:  Seth Lewelling Elementary

Family Information:  MOM

DAD

18 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER ** loves anything with music and likes toys that light up and toys with mirrors.  Ball popper, Wheel pals, Weebles, Laugh and learn puppy, Corn popper, Baby Doll, Books, Rain Boots (size 4), Clothing  (size 18 months)

3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** Dora Legos, My little pony playsets, she likes Dora and loves anything artistic and any kind of pretend play (dress up, house, kitchen, dollhouse).  Art and craft supplies, Moonsand ,Playdoe, Magic rise ovens and cakes ,Remote control car, Exercise trampoline w/ handle bar, 9-24 piece puzzles, Preschool workbooks and reading books, Ants in the pants, Don’t spill the beans, Rain Boots (size 10), Clothing (size 4)

6 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** Telescope, Spinner Art, likes Hannah Montana and Toy Story and is very girly and crafty. Rain boots (size 13), clothing (size 7),barbies and barbie accessories
Art and craft supplies, Moonsand, A Clock, Zhu Zhu pets, Exercise trampoline w/ handle bar, First grade workbooks and reading books, Guess who, Trouble, Don’t wake daddy

2 YEAR OLD SON ** loves Barney and Toy Story and anything electronic and interactive with buttons and anything that gets him up and moving (basketball, baseball, jumping, dancing).  Ball Pit, Playdoe, Toy microwave, shopping cart, and food, Toy Laptop, Remote Control car, Bowling set, Teeball set, basketball hoop, Exercise trampoline w/ handle bar, Musical instruments, Books, Toy flip phone, Rain Boots (size 10), Clothing (size 4)

23.  Bernards Garage

Decorations Courtesy of:  View Acres Elementary

Family Information:  MOM ** sheets (size queen) aqua in color

DAD ** needs new electric clippers

4 YEAR OLD SON ** loves cars– dreaming of a JLX overdrive RC car, paper jam electric guitar to share with his brother

16 YEAR OLD SON ** special needs child, mentally 4-5 years of age.**  Fisher Price imaginex space shuttle, loves art projects.

24.  Stark Tae Kwon Do

Decorations Courtesy of:  Oak Grove Elementary

Family Information: MOM ** boots (size 8), golves, jeans (size 9)

4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** She like puzzles, coloring and reading, she likes little computers like leap frog. She needs winter clothes-pants, sweaters, long sleeve shirts (size 4T). She could also use gloves and winter boots (size 8).

25. Acupuncture for Wellness

Decorations Courtesy of:  The Baden Family

Family Information:  MOM

5 YEAR OLD SON ** Pj’s (size 5) or fleece blanket. Favorite color green. Likes Mickey Mouse or anything with letters.

9 YEAR OLD SON ** Pj’s (size 10) or fleece blanket. Favorite colors red and orange. Likes OSU Beavers and Legos

11 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER ** Pj’s (size 12) or fleece blanket. Favorite colors are pink and purple. Favorite animals are cats and horses

26.  Enchanté

Decorations Courtesy of:  Sweet Pea Preschool

Family Information:  MOM ** WARM (clothing (size 7 or M)

DAD **  WARM clothing (size M), pants (size 32)

4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER  ** WARM clothing (size 6), shoes (size 12), loves Barbies

***The family needs kitchen utensils, pans, pots and dishes. They also need towels and king and twin size bed sheets.

Continue reading...

1. Springcreek Coffeehouse ** 10600 SE McLoughlin Blvd.

Art Exhibit: The Zimbabwe Art Project

Live Music

2.  North Main ** 10554 SE Main Street

Downtown Business Showcase

3.  North Main  ** 10612 Se Main Street

Art Exhibit: North Clackamas Arts Guild

4. Ohana Hawaiian Cafe ** 10608 SE Main Street

Live Music

5. Windhorse Coffee and Tea ** 10611 SE Main Street

Authors Corner:

Art Exhibit:  Rob Ramage/Michael Casey

6. Milwaukie Masonic Lodge ** 10636 SE Main Street

Event:  Visit with Santa

7. Baggetta Studios ** SE Harrison Street

Art Exhibit: Mike and Marla Baggetta

8. City Hall  ** 10722 SE Main Street

Art Exhibit:  Joan McGuire

Event: DIY Art Project

Live Music

9. Wine:30 ** 10835 SE Main Street

Art Exhibit

10. Stanley Renovation and Design ** 10879 SE Main Street

Art Exhibit:  NW Jewelers

11.  First State Bank Building  ** 10883 SE Main Street

Artisan’s Boutique

Live Music

12. 12.500 Commercial Window Coverings  ** 10921 SE Main Street

Art Exhibit: Ron Fulton

13. Things From Another World ** 10977 SE Main Street

Event: Come by and get a FREE comic, plus learn how to play  Magic: The Gathering from the Pros of TFAW!

14. Salon DeMara ** 11011 SE Main Street

Art Exhibit: Kimberly Swertfeger/ Rosie Bronson

15.  Cha Cha Cha  ** 11008 SE Main Street

Art Exhibit:  Juan Calvillo

Event: Mexican Posada

16. St. John’s Episcopal Church ** 2036 SE Jefferson Street

Art Exhibit: Craft Fair

Exhibit: Poetry Reading

17. Eleven 0’49 Studio and Gallery  ** 11049 SE 21st Ave.

Art Exhibit: 2010 Holiday Show and Sale

18. Happy Baskets ** 11097 SE 21st Ave.

Event: Wine Tasting

19. Big Kahuna’s BBQ ** 11050 SE 21st Ave.

Event: Pork Sliders $1.00

20. Acupuncture for Wellness ** 2100 SE Lake Road #3

Art Exhibit: Robin Baden

Tomorrow night is the big event.  I hope you will all be able to join us.  Here is a sneak peak at the treasure hunt map for tomorrow night.

As promised here is some more information about the Movie Screening of ” Not Dead Yet”

November Featured Poet – Greg Chaimov

Open Mic follows

Friday, November 5th, 6 to 7 p.m.

As part of Nov. 5th’s First Friday, Arts A La Carte festivities, City Councilor and local poet Greg Chaimov will read selections from his works and an Open Mic session will follow.

The readings will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. in the meeting room at St. John the Evangelist church, located at 2036 SE Jefferson St.

Greg Chaimov’s poetry and short fiction have appeared in journals throughout the United States and Canada. A limited edition chapbook, THE OLD WORLD, was published by the William Stafford Center at Lewis and Clark College. His first full-length collection of poetry, EVERYTHING IS WATER, is forthcoming from Press 22.

Following Greg’s reading, the mic will be open for all who wish to read their own work, or some of their favorite poems. To get on the list to read ahead of time, please call Tom Hogan, the Milwaukie Poetry Series Coordinator, at (503) 819-8367 or email him at tomhogan2@comcast.net. There will also be a sign-up sheet at the event for those wishing to share.

Readers should plan on having the mic for five minutes, and if there’s more time after everyone’s had a chance to read, additional opportunities will be provided.